The Friends of Bloomington-Normal Lacrosse (FOBNL) is a not-for-profit, volunteer, action oriented organization who works to benefit of the Bloomington-Normal co-op lacrosse program. Our goal is to enable the coaching staff to coach and the players to play. We are dedicated to removing barriers and enhancing the high school lacrosse experience for all involved. We seek creative solutions to identified problems and have open communication with the athletic department and administration at participating high schools. We will be respectful and supportive of other organizations, and are committed to both the academic and athletic success of the lacrosse players in our community.
Support the long-term development of lacrosse in Illinois and the Bloomington/Normal area by supporting youth lacrosse programs that feed into our high school lacrosse programs.
Support the student athletes, coaches and school administrations who are jointly participating in the co-op lacrosse varsity lacrosse programs through logistic, communication, and financial support
Jill Nydegger is currently a business architect at State Farm. Prior to State Farm, she worked in small to mid-size businesses in project management. This included 3 years at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a Campaign Manager for the Team in Training fundraising program overseeing the program throughout central Illinois. Jill spent time on the board for The Ohm Tribe which provided free yoga in the park to the Bloomington-Normal community. She also spent time as the Popcorn Coordinator for her sons’ Cub Scout pack.
Jill and her husband, Ben, have two sons. Ethan is a senior at Bloomington High School. Kevin, is in 7th grade at Bloomington Junior High. Ethan has played for BN LAX for three seasons. Kevin has played lacrosse with the Warriors organization. Both boys have played for two seaons with Central Illinois True lacrosse.
This is Nikki’s second year with FOBNL with her son Parker in 10th grade at NCHS. She was the Communications Director for Bloomington-Normal Warriors Lacrosse in 2021-2022. Nikki also served as a parent volunteer for True Lacrosse during the Summer 2022 & 2023 travel seasons.
I have a daughter Charlotte who is my youngest and just finished her freshman year at Normal Community and her first year on the girls co-op team. Charlotte began with the Warriors organization in 3rd grade with the instructional team and then advanced to the competitive team in 5th grade. She had tried many other sports but nothing had really stuck for her until she tried lacrosse. She had an amazing experience this year and is already looking forward to her sophomore season.
I’m a stay at home mom but I’ve been a sports mom for 15 years when my older twin sons began playing hockey and even lacrosse for a couple seasons with the Warriors. They are now headed into their sophomore year at the University of Illinois where they play on the D2 Hockey team. I volunteered countless hours for their teams serving on the youth hockey board as Head Scheduler and as team manager for many seasons. Like many members of the board, I’ve seen it all when it comes to youth and high school sports. And I know the benefits of playing a team sport last far beyond their youth.
I now have a chance to take that knowledge and dedicate my time to ensuring these kids have the opportunity to play the sport they love and grow as individuals.
Tami Sylvester has been involved in lacrosse for the past 6years through BN Warriors lacrosse and one year with BN Lacrosse. Tami fell in love with the sport immediately when her kids began playing. This is her first year on the board and she looks forward to becoming more involved in the great lacrosse program in our community. Tami has served as a vice president and fundraising chairperson on a competitive dance team in the past and will bring her passion to FOBNL. Tami is a Learning Analyst at State Farm Insurance. She is fulfilled at work by seeing people grow and become their best selves in a corporate setting, which she feels will transition perfectly to FOBNL. Tami’s daughter Victoria is a Sophomore at Normal Community High School.